Game simulates the ongoing challenges of poverty
Sometimes, all it takes is one life-changing experience to land someone on the streets: a job loss, the death of a loved one, divorce, or some natural disaster.
That's the underlying message of Spent, an online point-and-click game game in which players are asked
to make tough decisions while earning minimum wages, like those often found in
retailing or fast food.
The game was created by ad agency McKinney for pro bono client Urban Ministries of Durham to highlight the challenges and tradeoffs faced by low-income earners trying to break out of the poverty cycle.
The dilemmas in the game are based on real-life experiences of people served by UMD, which maintains a homeless shelter and outreach program for the disenfranchised.
It really seems next to impossible. The expenses rack up as users make choices on everything from housing to healthcare to unforeseen life circumstances like broken down cars and sick kids.
While everyone faces either/or financial decisions, they generally aren't so dire. Have you ever lived that close to the edge? Have things improved?
By Gordon Powers, MSN Money
Posted by: Cal | Dec 31, 2021 10:52:28 PM
Yes, I have lived on the edge, about 30 years ago. It was not pleasant, but manageable, because all I had to do was spend less than I earned. Just focussed on the bare essentials. No handouts, no social assistance. Just work, eat, sleep..... work, eat, sleep. Now I am extremely wealthy.
Posted by: Walter | Jan 1, 2022 6:45:00 AM
I didn't have the opportunity to be born with a silver spoon in my mouth and one in each hand so I started out living this reality.
I would love to see every single government employee pass/win this game prior to getting any government employment and every Minister (especially finance) should be required to post an above average score.
Too many Trudeau (type) politicians in Canada have 'worked' to destroy our economy through spending like drunken sailors in all the wrong areas while starving the few area's that could reallly help the country blossom.
Oh well. History repeats itself so we can look for another Trudeau and Mulroney in office before we know it.
Posted by: MumWhoChose | Jan 3, 2022 9:47:12 PM
Walter, excellent suggestions! May I second them?
Posted by: help with dissertations | Jan 22, 2022 5:58:43 AM
This is a cool site and I wanted to post a note to let you know, good job! Thanks